If you are planning to open an ice cream shop, but you are not sure of all the equipment you need to start the business, you need not worry anymore because you are reading the right article.
In this article, we will look at some of the essential equipment you would need to open your ice cream shop, what the equipment is used for, and of course, the amount it will cost you to purchase the equipment.
List of Equipment You Need to Start an Ice Cream Shop
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Ice Cream Machine
Top on our list of the equipment you will need to open an ice cream shop is an ice cream machine. As a matter of fact, you cannot open an ice cream shop without an ice cream-making machine. An ice cream machine which is also known as a batch freezer is used for making large quantities of ice cream within a short period of time.
Interestingly, ice cream machine has a wider range of features, such as the ability to make different flavors and textures. These machines are perfect for making ice cream, gelato, custard, and sherbet.
Cost: between $179.95 and $302.35 (for Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker)
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Commercial Freezers and Cold Storage
Another major equipment you must have in place if you are planning to open an ice cream shop are freezers, and cold storage. Basically, you will need commercial freezers and cold storage units to store your ice cream and keep it at the ideal serving temperature.
Cost: The price varies and it is based on the size, brand, and model.
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Display Freezers
Apart from commercial freezers and cold storage, you will also need display freezers if you are planning to open an ice cream shop. As the name implies, display freezers are used to display your ice creams. It allows customers to see your ice cream flavors and make their selections. Display freezers often have glass doors or lids for visibility.
Cost: $5,499.00
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Mixer and Pasteurizer
You will also need a mixer and pasteurizer if you are planning to open an ice cream shop especially if you plan to make your ice cream from scratch. A mixer and pasteurizer machine is an automated machine used for pasteurizing ice cream and popsicle mixtures.
The pasteurization process involves heating the mixture up to 80º C/176°F and then cooling it abruptly to 4º C/39.2°F, in order to eliminate toxic micro-organisms that are found in milk and other ingredients.
Cost: between $99.99 and $68.79
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Dipping Cabinets
Another important equipment you will need if you want to open an ice cream shop is a dipping cabinet. Dipping cabinets are basically used for ice cream parlors in which an operator scoops ice cream for the customers. Self-serve units display prepackaged ice cream pints, gallons, and novelties for the customer to purchase and take with them.
Cost: starts from $302.35
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Soft-Serve Dispensers
Soft-serve dispensers are yet another important equipment you will need if you plan to open a standard ice cream shop. A soft-serve ice cream machine is a specialized device designed to make and dispense soft-serve ice cream. It combines ice cream mix with air to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Over and above, soft-serve machines are used to make soft-serve ice cream, while regular ice cream machines are used to make regular, harder ice cream.
Cost: between $149.99 and $179.95 for Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine.
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Refrigerator
Another essential piece of equipment that you should budget for if you want to open an ice cream shop is a refrigerator. Refrigerators are to store ingredients like milk, cream, fruits, and other perishables used in your ice cream recipes.
Cost: $223.54 and LG refrigerator with bottom freezer, $995
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Ice Cream Scoops and Utensils
Ice Cream Scoops and Utensils are essential equipment you will need if you want to open an ice cream shop. In essence, if you are planning to open an ice cream shop, then you must budget for scoops, spades, and other utensils that are needed for serving ice cream to customers.
Cost: The price varies, and is based on the size and type.
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Menu Boards and Signage
Another essential piece of equipment that is needed to operate an ice cream shop is menu boards and signage. Menu boards are used to display your menu (products), and perhaps the price of your product offerings. Signage on the other hand is used for giving directions or showcasing any information that you want your customers to know.
Cost: The price varies based on size, and type
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Point-of-Sale (POS) System
Lastly, a Point-of-Sale (POS) System is yet another essential equipment that you should make provision for if you are planning to open an ice cream shop. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems are used for receiving payment from customers.
Trust me, in this dispensation where people are going cashless, you will be doing your ice cream shop a dis-service if you don’t have a Point-of-Sale (POS) System in place. Interestingly, Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems help to manage orders, track sales, and process payments efficiently.
Cost: The cost varies depending on the type and issuing company.
In conclusion,
It is important to note that apart from all these major pieces of equipment listed above, you should also make provisions for essential items like serving cones, cups, napkins, and a sink for handwashing and equipment cleaning.
As a matter of fact, if you want to serve beyond ice cream in your ice cream shop, then you should also make provision for blenders for milkshakes, an ice cream cone maker, etc. The bottom line is that the list of equipment you will need to start an ice cream shop is not restricted to the equipment listed above.